Arts & Culture

Best Shops to Buy Affordable Art in Washington, D.C.

Art, whether it’s an original Banksy piece or a sculpture by a freshman art school student, can cost more then a condo in D.C. But as this previous article shows, not all art will break your bank. Here are a few stores in Washington DC where you can find affordable art.

The American Visionary Art Museum is one of the most entertaining museums in the D.C. area. From a permanent exhibit by an anonymous British mental patient in the 1950s to a kinetic sculpture race, this museum isn’t your ordinary school field trip museum. Of course, school children love this museum for all of its oddities and creative programs. And you will love it too, especially for its affordable art. The museum’s shop, SIDESHOW, sells art jewelry, accessories, toys and more, along with original artwork. You are sure to have a unique piece of art for your home from this unique museum.

When people say “beauty is in the eyes of the beholder,” that doesn’t just apply to physical beauty. A car lover can see the beauty in a carburetor, a doctor can see the beauty in a brain and so on and so forth. The Yellow Barn Studio and Gallery offers art of varying media and styles. And by nurturing artists of all ages with its classes and workshops, it develops new and exciting local artists. Drop in to view some interesting original art and you will likely find yourself taking something home.

Washington, DC is full of studious people of all ages who read for school, work and pleasure. Despite the decline of big name bookstores like Barnes & Noble and Borders, the DC area still has a number of secondhand and independent book stores. Second Story Books is one of the best book stores in the area. It carries books in all subjects, including rare, used and out of print books. It also carries graphics and posters that make for great art pieces for your home or office.

Many DMV residents might not know that Alexandria has a huge arts center right on the waterfront. The Torpedo Factory Art Center houses two workshops, The Alexandria Archaeology Museum, 82 artist studios, The Art League School and much more. You can watch many of the nearly 200 artists work on sculptures, paintings, jewelry, prints, ceramics and more. With all of the art around you in this center, you are bound to find something you can take home without hurting your wallet.

Communities have come together to end violence, protest injustice, take care of families in need and whatever else that needs to be done. ArtSpring, the Pyramid Atlantic Community Arts Store, is proud to support the art community, including school age children. While art galleries are notorious for not giving amateur and unknown artists a chance, ArtSpring seeks out young and new artists. These artists and art lovers can volunteer their services, showcase their work and help develop the local art community. At this community store, you can find affordable art and support your community.